BEDWORTH United’s plight on and off the field continues to worsen as the winter weather, a dearth of home fixtures and a spate of away games hits them in the pocket.

The Greenbacks face up to three successive league trips – to North Greenwood United, Arlesey Town and Uxbridge – before they get cash through the turnstiles from a Central Division home game on Saturday, December 18.

Manager Bernie Cope admits it’s become a nightmare, especially as just 140 spectators, including season ticket holders and concessions, watched the most recent home fixture against Daventry Town on November 16.

With a bill for officials of almost £300, the profits are minimal.

Last Saturday’s home clash with Leighton was called off due to a frozen ground at The Oval but earlier that week floodlight problems meant the club were forced to pay for repairs to three of the pylons where the wiring had melted.

Meanwhile the cost of around £500 for coaches for each for the three forthcoming away trips added to the players’ wage bill, means the club’s resources are stretched to the limit.

And though Cope has appealed to local companies to help out he realises that times are tough.

“Businesses in the area are hitting hard times due to the recession so you cannot expect them to put their hand in their pockets if there’s no entries in the order books,” said a concerned Cope.

“Consequently you have to do what you can and try to get through what are really hard times.”

United have a home Red Insure Cup tie with Daventry Town on Tuesday night but Cope admits there’s every probability it will be off if the cold snap continues – although he would expect less than 100 fans to watch the game while half the gate receipts, after payments and other expenses, are shared with the opposition.

“If that match goes ahead we would be lucky to came out level, let alone make a profit but that’s the way things are at this time of the season when the winter weather ‘s against you,” said Cope.

“Hopefully there’s someone out there who is making a few bob and wants to help a football club that’s determined to soldier on.

"We are battling against the elements and the recession but one thing about this club and its supporters is it’ll never lie down without a fight.”